Translation guide
The English phrase 'shake one's head' typically means to turn the head from side to side to indicate 'no', refusal, or disbelief. In Japanese, the gesture is similar, but the verbal expressions vary depending on the nuance.
He shook his head.
Expressing negation or refusal by shaking the head
The most direct and common way to say 'shake one's head' to mean 'no'. Literally 'shake one's head horizontally'.
He shook his head without saying anything.
A shorter version, but can be ambiguous as it can also mean shaking head in other directions. Context usually clarifies.
A more childish or informal way to describe shaking one's head to refuse, often used for children or in casual contexts.
Showing a negative reaction like disbelief or disappointment by shaking the head
Same phrase as above, but used in contexts of disbelief or dismay. The gesture is identical; the meaning is inferred from context.
Hearing the news, he shook his head in disbelief.
Literally 'shake one's head', but less common than 首を横に振る. Can be used for similar negative reactions.
Shaking head to show lack of knowledge or uncertainty
Literally 'tilt one's head', this is the common gesture for puzzlement or doubt, often accompanied by a questioning look. Not exactly 'shaking', but the closest natural equivalent for 'I don't know'.
He couldn't answer the question and tilted his head in confusion.
The English phrase 'shake one's head' is not directly translated as 頭を振る in most contexts. 頭を振る can mean shaking head to clear thoughts or as a gesture of refusal, but it's less common. Use 首を横に振る for the typical 'no' gesture.
He shook his head and said no.
首を縦に振る (nod one's head vertically) means 'yes' or agreement, while 首を横に振る means 'no' or disagreement. These are the standard gestures in Japan.
He nodded his head in agreement.
She shook her head and refused the proposal.
The child shook his head and wouldn't eat his vegetables.
He shook his head in dismay.
Can also be used for 'I don't know', but less common than 首をかしげる. It may imply a stronger negation.
He shook his head, indicating he didn't know.